OAC Joins Forces with the YMCA of Central Florida to Tackle the Obesity Epidemic

Tampa, Fla. – Today, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and the YMCA of Central Florida are proud to announce an exciting new partnership aimed at educating the public about obesity, health and wellness and much more. With synergistic missions focused on overall health, the partnership is a proactive step forward to help the more than 93 million Americans impacted by the disease of obesity.

Founded more than 160 years ago, the YMCA brings to the partnership its many valued programs such as the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, LIVESTRONG, THE COACH APPROACH® and more. Working in conjunction with the OAC’s Your WeightMattersSM Brand, which features the Your Weight MattersSM Campaign, the Your Weight MattersSM Annual National Convention and Your Weight MattersSMMagazine, the collaboration will allow both organizations to utilize each other’s resources to fully maximize the partnership’s potential in working with individuals affected by excess weight and obesity.

“The OAC is proud to partner with the YMCA of Central Florida. As the leading patient-advocacy organization for individuals affected by obesity, the OAC is constantly looking for new ways to educate the public about obesity and offer it unbiased evidence-based information on weight and health,” said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.

More than 93 million Americans nationwide, and 25 percent of Floridians, are impacted by obesity. The disease carries with it more than 40 obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, some cancers, arthritis and more. In addition to the health impact of obesity, those affected by it are still targeted daily with weight bias and stigma.

“As a leader in Healthy Living and prevention, the Y is committed to helping people and communities turn the tide on obesity and chronic disease,” said John Cardone, YMCA of Central Florida Senior Vice President of Health Strategies/Business Development. “It’s not a simple challenge, nor is there a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why the Y is excited about our new partnership with the OAC. Together, through personalized programs, support and education, we can begin to turn in the tide on obesity in Central Florida and beyond.”

Through the strategic utilization of each organization’s programs and services, the partnership will have the potential to reach all Americans wanting to learn more about how their weight impacts their overall health and what they can do to improve their quality of life.

“The YMCA of Central Florida is one of the leading YMCAs in the country with their Healthy Living initiative, which utilizes its various health and wellness programs. These programs have a natural fit in what we, the OAC, offer our members and the general public. This is the first time we’ve partnered with the YMCA, and we know the possibilities are endless,” said Joe Nadglowski.

About the OACThe Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a nearly 50,000 member-strong National non-profit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by the disease of obesity through education, advocacy and support. To learn more about the OAC, please visit www.ObesityAction.org.

About the YMCA of Central FloridaThe YMCA of Central Florida is one of the area’s largest nonprofits committed to strengthening communities across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard and Marion counties and the local communities it serves. It is a diverse organization of men, women and children joined by a shared commitment to Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Each day 35,000 Central Florida residents are impacted by the Y when a mentor inspires a child, individuals make healthy choices and a community comes together for common good. In 2013, this YMCA Association of over 1,800 employees across 6 Florida counties impacted over 235,000 residents and invested, during a challenging economy, $10.2 million in its local communities. The YMCA of Central Florida also provided $9.2 million in financial assistance to children and families, which supported lasting personal and social change. For more information, please visit ymcacentralflorida.com.